So about this time each year I start to fantasise about how glamorous I'll look over the festive season and set out to find the perfect, modern, evening outfit. This season you can't move for all the sequins and velvet everywhere and if you are 6 foot and a size 10 I'm sure you'll be able to slink your way successfully into a mini sequin dress and throw a velvet jacket over the top with aplomb.

However if you're heading towards fifty and the last time you were a size 10 was in your teens, like me, then it might be more a case of mutton dressed as lamb, or should that be a tinsel turkey? What's more is you face those usual christmas dressing conundrums; skirt or trousers, heels or flats, jumpsuit or dress or do you opt for the Tamara Ecclestone approach of PJ's all day!

Whilst I usually recommend to buy more of what you always wear I think this is the time of year you can step out of your comfort zone and pull out all the stops, so my search began! First I went onto Pinterest to find modern evening outfits I loved, and age/size appropriate, which is easier said than done. See my Pinterest picks 'Modern evening Outfits' here.

When I started sourcing product the top left Pinterest image, of silky blouse, pleat skirt, fishnet ankle socks and heels was my favourite inspirational look. First port of call was Zara, who've got some great skirt options that will emulate the outfit in question; see my picks below; they're also great value for money at £29.99.

Then I came across the Reiss 'After Dark' editorial and loved the minimal but sexy tuxedo trouser outfit; I think the slick hair and smokey eyes look great, but not sure I could pull that off, although I do have a Zara velvet tux jacket from a few years ago which would mean less spend.

There are tux jackets and trousers everywhere from Zara to M&S; my picks below are from & Other Stories, Zara and of course, from the above mentioned shoot, Reiss.

Then there's always a question of outerwear; a shoulder robing of overcoat over a tuxedo jacket always looks sophisticated, leather jacket over sequins toughen up the spangly look, or a faux fur coat will add some glamour of a bygone era. The gorgeous Diamante overcoat, below left, is from Uterque; at £245 it may be more expensive than the coats their sister brand Zara produce but I can guarantee you won't see it at every Christmas gathering. However you can't beat Zara for seasonal updates like this bejewelled faux fur jacket, below right, a relative snip at £99.99.

So what are the looks I've decided to invest in this Yuletide? An easy velvet sweatshirt, & Other Stories, a nod to the fabric of the season, with a flirty, draped sequin skirt, Zara, which is the right length to disguise the fat above the knee. I have enough heels in my wardrobe that I just don't wear so can't really justify buying the Reiss 'Maxine' sandal, but they could find themselves on my Christmas wish list instead.

For my outfit builder I've shown two looks; maybe the one shoulder H&M top and tux trouser could be my New Years Eve ensemble. Anyway I'm determined to look more alluring this Christmas even if it is just to attend the school carol service!

Click on the links to shop, if you've been inspired by this modern evening outfit post, and thanks for stopping by.